Posted in Kentucky
January 27, 2016
These 6 Road Trips In Kentucky Will Lead You To Places You’ll Never Forget
Road trips can be a blast if you know where to go, and road trips in Kentucky usually lead us toward beautiful places that are unforgettable. Granted, bad weather is not necessarily the time to take a journey like this, but when the roads are clear, the trip can be amazing. Why? For starters, Kentucky is just a beautiful state, brimming with forestry, rivers, lakes and wildlife. Our state has quite the allure when you look at it from a naturesque perspective.
Here are 6 road trips in Kentucky you won’t soon forget:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
There are several different bourbon trails to enjoy, including Versailles, Bardstown, Louisville, Lexington and Clermont, just to name a few. Highway 245 at exit 112 off I65 takes you towards Bardstown, but you pass a nice winery by Bernheim Forest, which also make an excellent break point. You will run into Jim Beam, Kentucky’s biggest selling distillery. On towards Bardstown, you will find Heaven Hill Distillery, the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and My Old Kentucky Home.
Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you down the Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincolns birthplace, childhood home and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and 3 renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined.
This road in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachians is known as the Country Music Highway. It runs from Ashland to the north, to Whitesburg in the south. You travel through the mountains and pass country music and coal mining heritage sites. Plus you will also pass by Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Hollow and the beautiful Jenny Wiley State Park.
Leading from Middlesboro to Berea, this wonderful drive follows the journeys of some of our earliest pioneers. We began near the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, where Daniel Boone created his own Wilderness Road. Heading north, travelers will see the beautiful Pine Mountain Resort Park with its beautiful foliage and forests. Next we see the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park, can catch a country music show at Renfo Valley Entertainment Center and see the recreated pioneer village. Last stop is Berea, the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, where you can view our hillbilly art at its finest.
If you have visited the Gorge, you already know this is one of the most incredible journeys you can make in Kentucky. The Scenic Byway is a 46 mile drive that passes through the amazing Nada Tunnel as and into the Gorge’s geological area. This is a great place to stop, hike, and experience the beauty of nature. Visiting the incredible Sky Bridge and the Angel Windows are a must, which are both accessible via a walk. If your grow weary of driving, simply paddle down Red River or take the sky lift to the Natural Bridge. The journey is sure to be absolutely breathtaking.
This scenic roadway runs by Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which is one of the most beautiful spots in Kentucky. You will see postcard worthy woodland scenery and lakeside settings. There are a variety of short detours you can take as well, including the Elk and Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, The Homeplace, Nature Station and waterfront picnic areas. There are plenty of activities like horseback riding, camping and boating if you want a break from the car as well.
Each one of these road trips in Kentucky will leave you with a new feel for our beautiful state. The scenic beauty you pass will be unforgettable, and the parks and other attractions are scrapbook worthy experiences. There are countless serene drives and attractions like these all across the Bluegrass State. What is your favorite spot to go for a road trip in Kentucky?
